Book Reviews

The Purpose-Guided Universe

Believing in Einstein, Darwin, and God

Science and theology are often interpreted as incompatible domains between which reconciliation is impossible. On the branches of academia’s tree sits a peace-loving dove, yet it remains a matter of conjecture in which department this gentle bird resides. Though traditionalists associate a serene, calming presence with God and religion, the real truth-seekers may hail from the laboratories and anthropology classrooms. In the past, however, a scientific outlook was considered the antithesis of a godly stance. This deeply ingrained yet distorted perception created a dangerous rift between two realms of the educated elite and two respected vocations—minister and scientist. But one without the other creates an imbalance that may trigger the world’s worst scenarios.

The Purpose-Guided Universe is an enlightening exploration of creation and the human being’s existence on Earth. The intricate, precise conditions necessary to sustain life have baffled even the most cynical scientists who do not accept a higher power. Dr. Haisch discusses the reasons for incorporating a nonthreatening and nondenominational God into scientific study. Using a practical, common-sense approach, he explains why belief in a universal force does not exclude or negate the theories of Einstein and Darwin.

This fascinating text delves into intelligent design and belief systems that form our concept of the universe, including perception of space and time, even consciousness itself. Haisch explains quantum reality and perennial philosophy, simplifying complicated physics for the layman and providing serious topics of debate for the expert. His book is a treasure trove for people who cannot accept the centuries-old explanations for life based on church doctrine.

A native of Germany, Bernard Haisch is recognized for his bestselling title The God Theory as well as research papers in over 130 publications. He’s an astrophysicist with ten years’ experience as a scientific editor for the Astrophysical Journal, and he was editor-in-chief of the Journal of Scientific Exploration. Recent positions include director of the Calphysics Institute, deputy director of the Center for Extreme Ultraviolet Astrophysics at UC-Berkeley, and visiting scientist at the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics in Garching, Germany. Haisch is also president of the Digital Universe Foundation and chief science officer for ManyOne Networks.

The transformation of sacred institutions to embrace spiritual evolution will meet resistance among dogmatic clergy, but to a sophisticated freethinker, this process could be the world’s attainable salvation, overcoming ethnic barriers and paving the way to global stability. Haisch’s work is both hopeful synthesis and a refreshing departure from two stereotypes: the atheism that permeates the scientific community and the archaic religion that afflicts the masses.

Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The author of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the author for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.